The two parties came to a stalemate after lengthy discussions about a long-term deal. It is worth is financially for both sides to dig in. It also is a source of tension.

As a TE, Graham’s franchise tender amount is about $5.3 million; as a receiver, he’d have a tag worth more than $12 million.

Graham caught 86 passes in 2013 for 1,215 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2013. His total receiving yards ranked 15th in the NFL, and no receiver had as many touchdown catches in the regular season.

According to USA Today, if the Saints and the NFLPA can’t reach an agreement, a third-party arbitrator would step in to hear the case. Graham argues that he participated in more snaps as a receiver than a tight end, while the Saints will argue that their “flexed” offense keeps Graham as a tight end.